Yakovlev is to upgrade between 50and 80 Yak-52 piston-engined trainers for the Russian air force over the next two years.
The new Yak-52M variant will make its debut in August at the MAKS 2003 Moscow air show, with flight testing expected to start by year-end, says Yakovlev chairman Oleg Demchenko.
The aim is to provide the air force with an interim capability before service entry of the Sukhoi Su-49 in 2004. The requirement calls for avionics allowing training in formation and instrument flying at night and in bad weather. Around 30% of Yak-52 avionics will be replaced.
Handling qualities and flight performance will be improved, and fuel tanks enlarged. Zvezda SKS-94M-Yak lightweight ejection seats and a new canopy will be fitted. The cost is around $35,000-50,000 an airframe.
Source: Flight International
